Sperm count results from 861 American chemical/agricultural workers from 14 separate studies

This article presents data from 861 men who have participated in 14 separate occupational studies on testicular function. This population represents the largest series taken from occupational studies. The mean and median sperm counts were 107.1 and 83.0 million/ml of semen, respectively. The percentage of men with sperm counts less than 20 million/ml of semen was 8.7%. No significant differences were noted for age or race. A major issue in occupational studies requiring semen samples is how to successfully recruit the target population to participate. The number of semen samples requested can influence willingness to participate. Data from 137 men, each with three separate sperm counts, indicate that a single sample will suffice for an occupational study.